Rules
Rules and Regulations
Performance Order is determined by the postmark or datestamp from the completed online registration application. The band with the earliest postmark or online registration date performs last in class, while the band with the latest postmark or online registration date performs first in class. All participating bands must perform in uniform.
Bands are scheduled every 15 minutes, with a performance time limit of 6 to 12 minutes. Bands must enter the stadium, perform, and clear the stadium within their allotted 15-minute time slot. Any band exceeding the time limit will incur a penalty of 1 point per minute over their time slot, deducted from their final score. Additionally, a 5-point penalty will be assessed for warm-up noise or playing that interferes with the competition. It is prohibited to warm up or play in the stadium parking lot to avoid disturbance to the performance on the field.
Seating is assigned with a provided seating chart, and all band members are asked to sit in their designated sections to ensure everyone's enjoyment of the event. Womack Field offers ample seating with excellent views of the field.
Chaperones will be admitted free at a ratio of one chaperone per ten students, following GHSA policy. Performing students will receive armbands distributed on buses at the registration area, and each band will receive staff badges for directors and staff.
The use of any pyrotechnics, such as fireworks, rockets, flares, smoke bombs, etc., is strictly prohibited. This includes confetti cannons.
No directors, parents, or students from participating bands are allowed in the press box.
All band and auxiliary leadership/officers participating in the awards ceremony must be in full uniform and follow ceremony directions. No other students will be allowed on the field during the ceremony.
Fees for the East Georgia Marching Band Championships are as follows:
Contest Registration: $100
Performance Bond (GA schools only): $500
Performance bonds will be returned in the registration packet upon arrival, with all checks made payable to SHS Band Boosters.
The East Georgia Marching Band Championships is a GMEA-approved event. We utilize approved materials and follow all GMEA-approved guidelines for scoring, classification, administration, and performance practice at our event. All rules set forth in the GMEA handbook apply during this event.
NAfME and GHSA membership cards will be honored at for entrance. The cardholder and one guest will receive free admission.
Band Classification
Bands will be classified according to the number of wind players.
Bands may enter a higher classification but may not enter a lower classification.
Silver Division
Class A - Up To 40 Winds
Class AA - 41-59 Winds
Class AAA - 60-79 Winds
Gold Division
Class AAAA - 80-100 Winds
Class AAAAA - 101 + Winds
Judging
We pride ourselves on having an outstanding panel of qualified judges who are experts in their field. You get quality, unbiased judging, great comments, and suggestions on how to improve your performance
The East Georgia Marching Band Championships utilize the GMEA adjudication forms for Olympic-judged contests. A panel of five judges assesses band scores. The highest and lowest scores are dropped, and the middle three scores are averaged to determine the overall band score. Class placements for Band Class Placement, Division Champions, and Grand Champion are solely based on the band score.
Captions Also Being Judged (Not Included in Overall Score)
Auxiliaries
Percussion
Drum Major
Awards for Superior and Excellent ratings and Best in Class trophies are also presented.
Point spread categories are as follows:
Superior (I): 85-100
Excellent (II): 70-84.9
Good (III): 50-69.9
Fair (IV): 0-54.9
Silver and Gold Division Championships will be awarded, along with a Grand Championship to the highest scoring band, regardless of classification, receiving the "Biggest Trophy EVER," a prestigious tradition of the event.
The Statesboro High School campus, including the stadium, is a tobacco-free campus.